Tee Cee’s Tip
DEAR TEE CEE >> Are clear plastic cups recyclable? How about cups that aren’t clear? I know plastic-lined paper cups and foam cups go in the trash, but plastic cups seem similar to other plastics that I know are recyclable.
Best, Jon
DEAR JON >> Ahhhh, plastic recycling can be confusing. Plastic packaging and products are manufactured using various polymers and numerous chemical additives. Consequently, even plastic products with identical numbers on the bottom, or those with similar characteristics, may not be compatible with each other.
In the case of plastic cups, the only ones that can be accepted according to single-stream recycling guidelines for Boulder County are the more durable (non-brittle) “souvenir cups” with a #2 or a #5 on the bottom, like the sturdy, large kind you might get at a sporting event. Otherwise, single-use plastic cups are on the “no” list for recycling, and here’s why:
Most plastic cups don’t meet recycling standards. Most recyclable plastics exhibit consistency in the type of plastic used (indicated by the resin number on the bottom) to produce the product. For example, we can generally say that yogurt tubs are recyclable because they are almost always made from #5 polypropylene. But since many different resins are used to make plastic cups, markets aren’t interested in buying the vast majority of them to make them into new products. Plastic cups tend to shatter. You’re right, Jon — many plastic cups feel similar to other recyclable plastics, but you may notice that most plastic cups tend to be brittle. For example, picture how easily a red Solo cup splinters when you squeeze it.
That’s a result of using different chemical additives. These cups shatter when compressed in collection vehicles, and their tiny pieces end up in the paper, where they are a significant contaminant.
They lead to costly contamination. Plastic cups are usually used on the go, so along with the cup comes leftover liquid, ice, the lid, and straw — all non-recyclable contaminants. Liquids and food in the recycling are top contaminants that can render valuable paper materials non-recyclable (liquids on paper = papier-mâché).
Instead of trying to determine which plastic cups are recyclable (remember, only #2 and #5 are accepted in Boulder County), it’s best to “choose to reuse” by bringing your own to-go cup for your iced coffee.
— Tee Cee